According to Sportbible, US President Donald Trump has reportedly received approval from FIFA to personally hand over the FIFA World Cup trophy to the champions of the 2026 tournament, a move that would break long-standing presentation protocol. Sources close to the global football governing body indicate there is “no objection” to Trump’s request, which he communicated to FIFA.
Breaking with tradition
The customary procedure for the World Cup trophy presentation sees a member of the winning team, typically the captain, retrieve the iconic gold trophy from a plinth before carrying it to their celebrating teammates on the podium. Trump’s reported desire to present the trophy directly to the victorious squad would mark a significant departure from this tradition. The final of the 23rd edition of the World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.
A precedent from the Club World Cup
This isn’t the first time President Trump has reportedly sought to be involved in a post-match celebration. A similar situation unfolded at last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup final. Following Chelsea’s victory over Paris Saint-Germain, Trump was observed standing among the players as they celebrated their triumph. According to talkSPORT, who reported on Trump’s communication with FIFA, the organisation has no objection to the President’s involvement. Sources suggest it will be at Trump’s discretion whether he stands alongside the winners during the ceremony.
The regulations and the final stage
While the proposed action deviates from common practice, FIFA’s official regulations do not explicitly outline who should hand out the trophy, focusing instead on its ownership and immediate post-match handling. FIFA’s regulations state: “The winner of the FIFA World Cup 26 will be presented with the FIFA World Cup Trophy (‘Trophy’), which remains the property of FIFA. The winning team will be provided with the Trophy during an on-pitch ceremony immediately following the final whistle…” This passage, available on FIFA’s digital hub, details the trophy’s journey *after* presentation, leaving the initial act of handing it over open to interpretation or, in this case, a special request. Trump has been heavily involved in the build-up to the 2026 World Cup, a tournament he has championed for the United States.
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Should the plan proceed, the 2026 World Cup final would not only crown a new global champion but also feature a unique moment of protocol deviation, with the US President taking centre stage in the trophy presentation.
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